Economics: Understanding Needs and Wants - Needs vs. Wants Collage

This activity will help students differentiate between needs and wants, and understand the concept of scarcity in economics.

Economics - 3rd

Economics: Understanding Needs and Wants

Title: Needs vs. Wants Collage

Compliance Standard: Common Core State Standards - Mathematics, Grade 3

Subject: Economics

Summary: This activity will help students differentiate between needs and wants, and understand the concept of scarcity in economics.

Topic: Needs and Wants in Economics

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify and define needs and wants
  • Understand the concept of scarcity
  • Differentiate between needs and wants
  • Create a collage to represent needs and wants

Methodology:

This activity will be conducted in three stages:

  1. Introduction: Begin the lesson by discussing the difference between needs and wants. Use real-life examples to help students understand the concept. Explain that needs are things we must have to survive, while wants are things we desire but can live without.
  2. Collage Creation: Provide each student with a large sheet of construction paper, magazines, scissors, and glue. Instruct them to create a collage that represents their needs and wants. They can cut out pictures from the magazines and glue them onto the paper. Encourage creativity and diversity in their choices.
  3. Sharing and Reflection: Once the collages are complete, allow students to share their work with the class. Ask them to explain why they chose certain pictures for their needs and wants. Facilitate a class discussion on the concept of scarcity and how it relates to needs and wants.

Resources/Materials Required:

  • Construction paper (1 sheet per student)
  • Magazines
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Instructions:

  1. Introduce the concept of needs and wants to the students.
  2. Explain the activity and distribute the required materials.
  3. Allow students time to create their collages.
  4. Once the collages are complete, have students share their work with the class.
  5. Facilitate a class discussion on scarcity and its connection to needs and wants.

Assessment:

To assess student understanding, observe their participation during the class discussion and their ability to explain their collage choices. Additionally, you can provide a short written reflection prompt asking students to explain the difference between needs and wants and how scarcity affects their choices.

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